Dr. Sugandh Garg
Internal Medicine
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
A few days ago, I might have been exposed to mercury vapor in a hotel room I was sleeping in for around eight hours. The room was small, and the type of mercury was unknown. I remember one kind of chemical was a clear liquid watery substance and the other was more clay grey which dissolved in water. I left the room around six hours later and did not touch anything, but I might have breathed in the vapors in this small room. I also washed away the crystals that had landed on the carpet. I have no clue about all these substances, except when I asked, I was told mercury. Later, I felt pins and needles in my arms and feet, which lasted a month, but no other symptoms. Until now, I feel like I have some internal vibration in my feet, and my knees are shaking when I stand up like I am freezing or have done a hard workout from time to time. I went to the doctor in my area, told him about what had happened, and showed him pictures of the various substances. I took urine and a blood test, which was made 130 days after possible initial exposure. The test came back at normal levels, but can it be that I had a toxic exposure? The mercury has already settled in organs and therefore does not show in blood or urine. I am not sure about the half-life times in these metals, or can I settle down and accept the test's results are final and that mercury levels do indeed decrease, that I have not had exposure to toxic levels and that my symptoms might be of other cause?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. I suggest getting physically examined and investigated to rule out any medical condition and treat it accordingly. Once already exposed and not taking appropriate chelators immediately can not be done much. However, symptomatic treatment is required. Check vitals, and pins and needles sensations must be investigated. It would be best to consult with neurologists. Walking, yoga, and exercises as health permits start gradually will help. Take healthy balanced nutritional diet. Drink plenty of water and fluids. Have fresh air exposure each day to breathe fresh. In the report attached (the attachments are removed to protect the patients' identities), vitamin D seems low and must be treated appropriately. Avoid any addictions like alcohol, smoking, and drugs if applicable. Weight reduction should be attempted. Check serum calcium levels. I hope you find it helpful. Kind regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
What do you think the possibility is for mercury poisoning in this case When it has been a possible short exposure like this? And if I was exposed, does the concentration and which type of mercury it was, have something to say? (I guess it does; as I said, I did not touch anything, so the vapor is just the only high possibility, and I do not know which kind of mercury it was ). In some other cases, I have read about latency symptoms showing up after weeks to months, and my anxiety is going through the roof. That paresthesia is one of the first symptoms, so the time from initial exposure to this particular symptom is frightening. I guess since my blood test and urine test and also the urine creatinine taken after 130 days showed normal levels represented in the test I put here means that my bloodstream and kidneys are free from mercury and if I indeed was exposed during this event that my blood and urine test would at least show some elevated results right? Suppose I was exposed, and mercury levels now are normal. Does that mean if I have mercury that has been disposed to different organs in my body and now showing symptoms will get worse or is there a chance that symptoms will go away over time since there is no new exposure? If I do a 24-hour heavy metal test that also comes back in the normal range, can I then be 100 % sure that I was not exposed and move on to other possible causes? I have also read that vitamin D deficiency can cause paresthesia, muscle pain, and weakness, and I see you asked me to take a calcium serum test, which I will do in the upcoming days. Could these all be symptoms of vitamin deficiency and possible hypocalcemia? I know there are a lot of questions here, but I feel I need to ask. Thanks again, doctor.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Mercury poisoning can not be ruled out. However, after such a long time, there is nothing we can do except for symptomatic treatment. Hence do not stress. It would be helpful if you follow the activities mentioned below. Maintain healthy life. Have an active lifestyle. Walk, do yoga, and exercise as health permits; starting gradually will help. Healthy balanced nutritional diet. Drink plenty of water and fluids. It is a positive sign that bodily fluids have not shown the poison. We cannot determine the type of mercury and amount. Yes, there is a possibility of being fine if no further exposure exists. To come to a diagnosis, you have to be physically examined and investigated. I suggest you take the following tests such as complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests (LFT), kidney function tests (KFT), thyroid hormone levels, lipid profile, urine routine, stool routine, blood culture, ultrasound abdomen, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the whole body, electrolyte levels, including vitamin D3. See, there is no end to investigations; At one point, you must stop thinking about this and try to lead a normal life. Overthinking will cause the real symptoms. I wish you good health. I hope you find it helpful. Kind regards.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Internal Medicine
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
